Shloka 7
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Kaurava Champions (भीष्मकृतः रथिनां गुणनिरूपणम्)
नमस्कृत्य कुमाराय सेनानये शक्तिपाणये । अहं सेनापतिस्ते5द्य भविष्यामि न संशय:,“राजन! मैं हाथमें शक्ति धारण करनेवाले देवसेनापति कुमार कार्तिकेयको नमस्कार करके अब तुम्हारी सेनाका अधिपति होऊँगा, इसमें संशय नहीं है
namaskṛtya kumārāya senānaye śaktipāṇaye | ahaṃ senāpatir te 'dya bhaviṣyāmi na saṃśayaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Having bowed to Kumāra Kārttikeya—the divine commander of the gods, the wielder of the spear—I shall today become your commander-in-chief; of this there is no doubt.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse suggests that assuming martial command should be accompanied by humility and reverence—seeking higher guidance (symbolized by saluting Skanda, archetype of disciplined generalship) so that power is exercised with restraint, clarity, and dharmic intent.
Sanjaya reports a declaration of taking up the role of commander-in-chief, preceded by a formal salutation to Kumāra Kārttikeya (Skanda), famed as the divine army-leader and spear-bearer, to affirm confidence and legitimacy in the impending military leadership.